A Crime Script Analysis of Violent and Nonviolent Extremists

Abstract

Extremists and the behaviors performed by extremists are a growing concern. There is a growing body of research showing the differences between violent and nonviolent extremists in terms of developmental pathways and actions. The current research used a temporal approach, crime script analysis, to map the pathways of violent and nonviolent extremists. Results showed differences between the groups in terms of Internet use, social networks and methods of enacting their beliefs. This research provides a new approach to understanding extremism and highlights the role of temporal methods in showing key differences that require different intervention strategies.